Sole patch apparatus

ABSTRACT

A human foot sole protecting apparatus is disclosed. Various embodiments provide a foot covering apparatus that guards and protects the soles of the human feet from the elements, debris, adversities of the environment, ground textures, temperature and the like. Moreover, the sole protecting apparatus enables consumers to enjoy the freedom of being barefoot with the security of having a protective barrier between the soles of their feet and the elements/debris on the ground.

This application claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/492,010, filed on Apr. 28, 2017, which application is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of footwear and more particularly to a human foot sole protecting apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Footwear refers to a covering of the human foot or an artifact worn on the feet, which serve to protect against adversities of the environment, usually regarding ground textures and temperature. Footwear has been in use since earliest human history. Archeological discoveries of fully designed shoes date back to the copper age (circa 5,000 BC). In many cultures, people remove their shoes before entering a home. Going bare foot is also seen as a sign of humility and respect. Many religions obligate its adherents to go barefoot during worship or while mourning. Some religious communities explicitly require people to remove shoes before they enter holy buildings, such as temples. In several cultures people remove their shoes as a sign of respect towards someone of higher standing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments provide a foot covering apparatus that guards and protects the soles of the human feet from the elements, debris, adversities of the environment, ground textures, temperature and the like. Moreover, the present embodiments enable consumers to enjoy the freedom of being barefoot with the security of having a protective barrier between the soles of their feet and the elements/debris on the ground.

In one embodiment, a composite structure having front, back sides and an inner layer, comprises a first surface having four variable length areas with a first area having five discrete longitudinal sections located at the distal end proximate a second area wider than the first area, the second area borders a third narrow area, which in turn borders a narrower area located at the proximal end; a second surface, which mirrors the first surface and adheres to the first surface via the inner layer; wherein the inner layer strongly adheres to the second surface while lightly adhering to the first surface thereby allowing the first surface to be easily peeled off.

Another embodiment provides an apparatus, which includes a composite structure having front, back sides and an inner layer. The apparatus comprises means for constructing a first surface with four variable length areas with a first area having five discrete longitudinal sections located at the distal end proximate a second area wider than the first area, the second area borders a third narrow area, which in turn borders a narrower area located at the proximal end; means for constructing a second surface, which mirrors the first surface, and adheres to the first surface via the inner layer; wherein the inner layer strongly adheres to the second surface while lightly adhering to the first surface thereby allowing the first surface to be easily peeled off.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a silhouette of the foot with perforated toe lines and mid-foot peel line of an apparatus benefiting from embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of the implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of the implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a right side view of the implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts a left side view of the implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 depicts a left foot of the implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 depicts a bottom view of the implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of the implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary application of the implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1;

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used to designate elements having substantially the same or similar structure and/or substantially the same or similar function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments provide a foot covering apparatus that guards and protects the soles of the feet from the elements, debris, adversities of the environment, ground textures, temperature and the like. Moreover, the present embodiments enable consumers to enjoy the freedom of being barefoot with the security of having a protective barrier between the soles of their feet and the elements/debris on the ground.

Sole patch apparatus is designed to help consumers enjoy the freedom of being barefoot with the security of having a protective barrier between the soles of their feet and the elements/debris on the ground.

Sole patch foot covering is a product used to protect or create a barrier between the soles of one's feet and the unwanted waste on the ground. Sole patch can be used in a variety of ways that benefit the consumer or wearer of the apparatus. These benefits include:

-   -   1. Keeping a barrier between the user's feet and unwanted         substances such as food debris on boardwalks, gum, urine feces         and the like.     -   2. Heat that comes along with enjoying summer time activities         (hot sidewalks, hot beach sand, hot roadways, pool sides, end         the like).     -   3. Decreases the risk of bacterial of fungus infections         transmitted through the feet; for example, when showering in         public showers and walking barefoot in public places.

The illustrative apparatus embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It may be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed apparatus can be arranged and combined in a variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

Sole patch is created using a protective covering (cloth-like material) and designed as the silhouette of the human foot to thereby provide flexibility of foot movement. Each foot covering (singly—left or right and as a pair) comes with perforated lines between the toes that can be peeled off and adheres to each toe. This allows for freedom of toe movement. Sole patch has an adhesive strip that covers the sticky surface area that can be peeled apart and applied to the bottom (sole) of each foot. Sole patch is also made in multiple colors with novelties, print, emojis and favorite sports team. Sole patch comes in different shapes and sizes for children and adults alike.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a silhouette of the foot with perforated toe lines and mid-foot peel line of an apparatus benefiting from embodiments of the present invention. Generally, sole patch is created using a protective covering (cloth-like adhesive material) that is designed as the silhouette of the foot and with the flexibility of foot movement. In one embodiment, sole patch is made of adhesive cloth silhouette. In other embodiments, suitable material is used to provide the comfort and freedom of being barefoot. Sole patch 100 adheres to the outline of the foot as shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, four variable length areas are observed namely, the calcaneus area 105, the post tib tendon area 110, the toes area 115 and the foot sole convex hull area 120. These variable length areas facilitate different sizes for adults, teenagers and children. As such, the overall thickness and width also vary proportionately with the size of the individual similar to a shoe, a sandal and the like. In one embodiment, toes area 115 has five discrete longitudinal sections located at the distal end proximate a second area 125 wider than the first area, the second area borders a third narrow area 110, which in turn borders a narrower area 105 located at the proximal end. In other embodiments, different configurations are implemented. For example, toes area may have less than five discrete longitudinal sections. Sole patch 100 or each foot covering (singly—left foot or right foot and as a pair) comes with perforated lines between the toes that can be peeled off and adheres to each toe. This allows for freedom of toe movement. Therefore, if one toe is missing, the material would be left hanging thereby taking away from the free movement of the toes and could also be a nuisance. Some individuals may have had a foot amputated and therefore, has one foot. In such case, it may be a left foot or it may be a right foot. Some individuals may have lost a toe or a number of toes. Sole patch 100 adapts to any of these situations.

Sole patch 100 also comprises a second surface, which mirrors the first surface and adheres to the first surface via the inner layer. The first surface provides a protective covering (cloth-like adhesive material) that is designed as the silhouette of the foot whereas the second surface adheres to the sole of the foot. In other embodiments, sole patch 100 comprises fewer than two (2) outer surfaces. Yet, in other embodiments, sole patch 100 comprises more than two (2) outer surfaces. The second surface is shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of sole patch 100 implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1. In this view, the three (3) components of the instant configuration are observed namely, the top surface 205, the inner layer 210 and the bottom surface 215 making the three (3) components of sole patch 100. In other embodiments, sole patch 100 comprises fewer than two (2) outer surfaces and more than one (1) inner layer. Yet, in other embodiments, sole patch 100 comprises more than two outer (2) surfaces and no inner layer. Still further, in other embodiments, sole patch 100 comprises fewer than two (2) outer surfaces and no inner layer. Still further, in other embodiments, sole patch 100 comprises more than two outer (2) surfaces and more than one (1) inner layer. These three components are of variable length. These variable length areas or components facilitate different sizes for adults, teenagers and children.

FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of the implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1. In this view, the three (3) components of the instant configuration are observed namely, the top surface 305, the inner layer 310 and the bottom surface 315 making the three (3) components of sole patch 100. These three components are of variable length. These variable length areas or components facilitate different sizes for adults, teenagers and children.

FIG. 4 depicts a right side view of the implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1. In this view, the three (3) components of the instant configuration are observed namely, the top surface 405, the inner layer 410 and the bottom surface 415 making the three (3) components of sole patch 100. These three components are of variable length. These variable length areas or components facilitate different sizes for adults, teenagers and children.

FIG. 5 depicts a left side view of the implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1. In this view, the three (3) components of the instant configuration are observed namely, the top surface 505, the inner layer 510 and the bottom surface 515 making the three (3) components of sole patch 100. These three components are of variable length. These variable length areas or components facilitate different sizes for adults, teenagers and children.

FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1. In one embodiment, four variable length areas are observed namely, the calcaneus area 625, the post tib tendon area 620, the toes area 605 and the foot sole convex hull area 620. In one embodiment, an irregular silhouette is illustrated by 615 protrusion and 630. However, sole patch 100 flexibility adapts to such irregularity.

FIG. 7 depicts a bottom view of the implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1. This view 700 shows the surface that adheres to the sole of the foot. In one embodiment, sole patch 100 comprises an adhesive strip 210 that covers the sticky surface area 215 that can be peeled apart and applied to the bottom of each foot. To apply sole patch 100, the following steps are recommended: (1) Peel apart (from peel line) front portion of adhesive strip and apply sticky side to bottom front of foot; (2) Peel apart bottom portion of adhesive strip and apply sticky side to the heel of foot; (3) Separate toes using perforated toe lines (if desired); and (4) With palm of hand gently smooth on to assure all surface areas of the foot are covered. This method of applying sole patch 100 is by no means the only way to use sole patch 100. Each individual will develop their own method of using sole patch 100.

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of the implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1. In this view, the three (3) components of the instant configuration are observed namely, the top surface 805, the inner layer 810 and the bottom surface 815 making the three (3) components of sole patch 100. In one embodiment, surfaces 805 and 815 are transparent. In other embodiments, surfaces 805 and 810 are opaque. Yet in other embodiments, surfaces 805 and 810 are colored and decorative. In some embodiments, top 305 is opaque and bottom surface 815 is transparent and vice-versa. Top surface 805 and bottom surface 815 are extensively discussed above.

In one embodiment, inner layer 810 comprises glue. In other embodiments, inner layer 810 comprises cement. Yet in other embodiments, inner layer 810 comprises mucilage. In further embodiments, inner layer 810 comprises paste. In other embodiments, inner layer 810 comprises adhesive that binds to human skin, distributes stress more efficiently across the two surfaces of sole patch 100, has increased design flexibility, is stable at high temperatures, is water resistant and allows the top surface to be removed easily. Inner layer 810 allows the bottom surface of sole patch 100 to easily adhere to the sole of the foot and can be easily removed as well.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary application of the implementation according to the apparatus of FIG. 1. Having applied sole patch 100 to the sole or bottom of one's foot, sole patch 100 snugly fits the sole of the foot to thereby protect or create a barrier between the soles of one's feet and the unwanted waste on the ground.

Although primarily depicted and described herein with respect to the embodiments described herein, it will be appreciated that sole patch 100 may be used in other embodiments.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure.

Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore, intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon.

Although various embodiments which incorporate the teachings of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings. 

We claim:
 1. A composite structure having front, back sides and an inner layer, comprising: a first surface having at least four distinct areas with five discrete longitudinal sections located at the distal end proximate a wider section, which borders a narrow section with a narrower section located at the proximal end constituting the front side; a second surface, which mirrors the first surface constituting the back side, which adheres to the first surface via an inner layer; wherein the inner layer strongly adheres to the second surface while lightly adhering to the first surface thereby forming the composite structure.
 2. The composite structure of claim 1, wherein the device is a clip.
 3. The composite structure of claim 2, wherein the clip is a carabiner style metal clip.
 4. The composite structure of claim 2, wherein the clip is attached to a personal item.
 5. The composite structure of claim 4, wherein the personal item is a user's clothing, a bag, a chair, a belt, a bikini, bathing apparel, bicycles, flip flops, key hooks.
 6. The composite structure of claim 1, wherein the strap wraps lengthwise around the body thereby forming the loop housing the device.
 7. The composite structure of claim 5, wherein the strap is affixed to the body at several points forming the one or more sections and making peripheral lips on side edges of the composite structure.
 8. The composite structure of claim 1, wherein the primary surface area of the strap becomes the front side and the secondary surface of the body becomes the back side of the composite structure.
 9. A composite structure having front and back sides arranged as a carrier for a metal pin badge, comprising: means for attaching a device at the distal end of the composite structure; means for providing one or more sections with a first section forming a loop housing the device; means for providing an inner layer as support portion for wrapping a material affixed to said support section at several points; and means for mounting the metal pin badge.
 10. An article of manufacture, comprising: a composite structure having front and back sides arranged as a carrier for a metal pin badge, wherein the composite structure includes a device attached at the distal end of the composite structure, a strap having a primary surface, one or more sections with a first section forming a loop housing the device; and a body as an inner layer having a primary surface to thereby place the strap; wherein the strap is further affixed to the body at several points forming the one or more sections and making peripheral lips on side edges of the composite structure.
 11. The composite structure of claim 1, further comprising a protective foot covering designed as a silhouette of the human foot.
 12. The composite structure of claim 12, wherein the protective foot covering incorporates perforated lines between the toes that can be peeled off.
 13. The composite structure of claim 1, further comprising a sticky surface area that can be peeled apart and applied to the sole of a foot.
 14. The composite structure of claim 11, wherein the protective foot covering allows contact with the ground while protecting against the elements.
 15. The composite structure of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sizes.
 16. An article of manufacture, comprising: a first surface having at least four distinct areas with five discrete longitudinal sections located at the distal end proximate a wider section, which borders a narrow section with a narrower section located at the proximal end constituting the front side; a second surface, which mirrors the first surface constituting the back side, which adheres to the first surface via an inner layer; wherein the inner layer strongly adheres to the second surface while lightly adhering to the first surface thereby forming the composite structure. 